Business Survival Through Highway Construction

Anyone working around the Highways 281N and 1604 intersection certainly is aware of the challenges months of road construction has presented to them. Even churches in the area have suffered from a decrease in congregation attendance. Some businesses have already closed and some are teetering, but at least one small business is run by an owner with a will to survive…no matter what exits are blocked!

When I began blogging over two years ago, one of the first people I met was Marilyn Caskey, owner of a local resale boutique, The Garment Exchange, 16662 San Pedro in the Park Oaks Shopping Center. Marilyn and I connected at once, mainly through our love of fashion and retail. Since then, we have done a couple of events together and love to chat about ideas to improve our endeavors (her store and my blog).

Marilyn is a single parent supporting two children with her business and she needs it to succeed. She has always impressed me and though each day is a struggle, I believe there are four main reasons why she is still around and hopefully, will be around for a long time:

Perseverance – She is determined to make her resale business work. Last year, she began facing challenges from the construction all around her, and knew it would be more difficult for customers to come to her location. So, Marilyn worked hard to develop her EBAY sales and between the two she ended the year with a twenty per cent increase….not what she wanted, but she wasn’t in the hole either.

Teachable – Marilyn is very teachable and willing to learn. In fact, a local Google seminar resulted in an increase in business. Now Google is going to bring her to Washington D.C. for an all- expenses paid trip to a small business seminar designed to help her succeed as an entrepreneur. Marilyn aspires one day to counsel with other small business entrepreneurs, and share all she is learning.

Realistic – She is realistic about the economy and her family needs, so she is very careful with her finances and not idealistic about the fact that this might not provide for them in the long run. But, she will give it her best efforts to keep the store alive.

Personable – Finally, Marilyn believes in the old fashioned ideas of service with a smile. She is a huge part of her business connecting personally with customers and doing what it takes to bring a customer in over and over again.

With the economy in flux, resale shopping just makes good sense. So head on over to Garment Exchange this afternoon and tell Marilyn I sent you. Also, you might want to check out her EBAY shop and give your support. She is making women of a certain age proud with her small business success to date. I always find something in her shop I must add to my wardrobe! (Call Marilyn at 210-820-3000)